Automated Coupler Shock Isolation for Safe Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers in vibration testing units fail to prevent excessive shock transfer during decoupling, which can damage test components by exceeding specified shock limits.
Innovation Solution
A shock isolator system comprising a bushing and a compressive fit rod is integrated between automated coupler parts, where the rod is compressible during engagement to disable the isolator and expandable during disengagement to absorb excess shock energy, preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional couplers are used for automated coupling and decoupling of components during vibration testing, then the testing process can be automated efficiently, but excessive shock is transferred to the test component during decoupling that exceeds specified shock limits and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A shock isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper and lower coupler parts. This shock isolator includes a shock absorbing element that activates during decoupling to absorb excessive shock energy, preventing it from being transferred to the test component while allowing the automated coupling and decoupling process to continue
Solution Approach 2:
The shock isolator is pre-installed between the coupler parts before the decoupling operation. The shock absorbing element is positioned in advance to cushion and absorb the excessive shock that will occur during the decoupling process, protecting the test component from damage before the harmful shock can be transferred
2Ease of operation
If pressure is applied to decouple the upper and lower coupler parts, then the decoupling operation can be completed, but the upper coupler part rapidly accelerates upwardly and then downwardly causing significant shock that hits the lower coupler part
Solution Approach 1:
The shock isolator acts as a mediator between the upper and lower coupler parts during the decoupling operation. It allows the decoupling operation to proceed while absorbing the harmful shock forces generated by the rapid acceleration of the upper coupler part
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing element converts the harmful shock energy generated during decoupling into beneficial energy absorption. The excessive kinetic energy from the rapidly accelerating upper coupler part is transformed into deformation energy of the shock absorbing element, preventing the harmful shock from reaching the lower coupler part and test component
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shock isolator effectively absorbs excess shock energy during decoupling, preventing damage to test components while maintaining the vibration performance of the testing unit during engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the compressive fit rod being expandable outwardly from the bushing to activate the shock isolator and absorb excess shock energy when the automated coupler parts are disengaged
Data Source
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AI summary
A shock isolator is arranged between two automated coupler parts in a vibration testing unit. When the coupler parts are engaged and coupled during vibration testing of a component, the shock isolator is disabled, and when the coupler parts are disengaged and decoupled after vibration testing, the shock isolator is activated to absorb excess shock energy and prevent shock transfer between the coupler parts that would damage the test component. The shock isolator includes a bushing that is inserted in a lower part of the two automated coupler parts and a compressive fit rod that is press-fit into the bushing. The bushing has a chamfered volume and the compressive fit rod has a corresponding compressible volume that is displaced into the chamfered volume to disable the shock isolator. After vibration testing, the compressive fit rod is expandable to a regular shape to activate the shock isolator.